On this, their seventh album, Cast finds the missing link between John Power's time with the legendary group The La's and their breakthrough album. Everything changes. Being a significant force in an influential band is something to behold. Saying that you have participated in two masterful acts is a statement that very, very few people can make. What makes John Power's writing and presentation so special is the consistency, the love, the light, and the way his words bring people together. On “Love Is The Call,” we get all this and more on what might be his best work to date.
There is currently a real resurgence in bands that started a long time ago. The likes of Shed Seven finally have a number one album, Kula Shaker returns to rave reviews, Pulp and Blur sell out stadiums and Liam Gallagher teams up with Time God John Squire; With this new album, it's clear to me that Cast has a great chance to join his peers in success thirty years from now.
That intention is felt from the beginning with the notable opening track 'Bluebird'. While it may be brief, it's certainly powerful, a mix of Bowie-esque brilliance and George Harrison harmonies; the song instantly draws you in and makes you crave more. It has a 70s beat with a magical tone running through it.
The album feels fresh, exciting and motivated; is the album Cast was born for. “Forever And A Day” cuts in with real intent. A song about “running on empty dreams” it's a call to arms with a signature riff that's sure to take off when the band performs live. This feels like a big breath of fresh air, a rock n roll anthem born to be sung in stadiums, in pubs, with an arm around your best friend and a beer in your hand. Jubilant.
“Rain That Falls” has a heady, hazy mod feel to it. It's a stomping, grooving tune that intertwines glorious vocals with a key change that lands the song gently after being launched into the stratosphere. There's a sea shanty feel with a real Stones and blues groove floating along Liverpool Bay. It brilliantly turns the song around 360 degrees with a real nod to Power's Irish and Liverpool roots.
“Far Away” bounces along with a dreamy chorus that will lift and elevate any mood; Power's voice has always impressed, but in love is the call, sounds bigger and better than ever. Like guitarist Liam “Skin” Tyson, whose playing sounds revitalized and very energetic; He sounds loose but tight, free and precise, and drives the album at breakneck rock n' roll speed.
“Love You Like I Do” is a delightful slice of psychedelic pop with drummer Keith O'Neill keeping a timely groove over backwards vocals and more delicate, enchanting harmonies. The production on this album is deliberately raw. Cast recorded with Grammy Award-winning Youth at their Space Mountain studio in Granada, Spain, keeping the instruments minimal and lo-fi, the album feels more serious and rock n roll. It sounds like a band of brothers who were destined to record together.
“I Have Been Waiting” and “Look Around” are fierce, classic cast moments. Driven by intention with powerful hooks and classic melodies, enthusiasm and emotion shine through, and the band sounds completely revitalized throughout the record, but especially in the final moments, such as on these tracks. “Time Is Like A River” evokes memories of the Beatles of late and the early cast, especially moments of Mother Nature Calls, which remains an underrated gem in the discography.
“Tomorrow Calls My Name” closes the album; is beautifully capped by “Bluebird.” The song, destined to become a fan favorite, is an epic journey of love, creativity, energy and faith. 'You know everything is going to be okay' Power claims and you absolutely believe him, you'll find yourself singing the chorus for days, it gets under your skin and into your heart. It really is the perfect ending to a perfect album.
love is the call It's the sound of a band reborn; It feels like a debut album, a new beginning; very few artists can say that at this point in their career; For Cast, however, they're doing more than Alright.
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